Howard City Police sent out an alert to residents Monday about some suspicious incidents last week, where a couple approached businesses or individuals and asked for money.

According to Howard City Police Chief Steve DeWitt, the incidents occurred at least three times last week. Each time, a couple asked for money to “fix the heater in their truck.” He said one incident was near a dollar store in Howard City, after the suspects observed the caller at the ATM machine. In the second incident, they went into a local business with the same story, and the third time was at the truck Stop on M46.

Two different vehicles are reportedly involved. One is a dark blue or royal blue late 80s or early 90s Ford Ranger (maybe a S-10) pickup truck with a topper. The second is a red, early 90s Jeep Cherokee. License plates on both vehicles were covered in snow.

In all three incidents, the couple asking for money included a female in her early 20s and a male subject. On a third occasion, a second male was also in the vehicle.

DeWitt said the people have not done anything wrong, but they would like to talk to the people asking for money. “It is not illegal to panhandle for money, however the activities are suspicious and we would like to speak to the subjects involved,” he explained.

He had some advice for people doing their banking outside. “Use common sense when at ATMs. Keep your doors locked, pull your vehicle tight to the building, and be aware of your surroundings, wherever you are.”